Sizzling

Leslie and I needed a new nonstick pan. 

We have been doing our nonstick cooking with a teflon pan that has seen better days and frankly, is no longer safe.

I did some research and NYT Wirecutter really liked the inexpensive but super nonstick OXO Obsidian carbon steel pan.

The OXO Obsidian Carbon Steel Frypan with Silicone Sleeve is slick, lightweight, well balanced, and comfortable to grip. It’s one of the very few carbon steel pans we tested that were slick enough to fry an egg without sticking, right out of the box. It also produced a stack of fluffy pancakes, crispy-skinned chicken breasts, golden sautéed carrots, and a perfect soft scramble with ease.

This is an excellent carbon steel pan for all home cooks. But for those who are new to carbon steel and are looking for an alternative to nonstick-coated cookware, it’s an especially good choice because it comes ready to cook, no preseasoning required, and its silicone handle cover provides a comfortable grip.

Their favorite in fact. What the hell, why not? Carbon steel has been the European standard for a long time.

I would give it a shot. Under sixty bucks.

It showed up today. Just gave it its first rinse and dry. I have never used carbon steel before. Fried up an egg in it. Worked like a charm.

I had heard a false rumor that it was tough on glass cooktops but that was debunked. 

I know that you can't or shouldn't put too much overly acid things in them like lemon, tomatoes and vinegar. They get a funny metallic taste.

They should not be overheated or allowed to scratch the cooktop surface. This one is pre-seasoned and supposedly incredibly nonstick out of the box.

I had heard that it was a bit light but this 10" pan feels nicely weighted to me.

I don't think it will be much different than my Le Creuset skillet, although a bit more forgiving, I don't ever put soap in that one. Just baking soda in a pinch. Keep them oiled and seasoned. You can even use metal spatulas and tools with it.

If you are an old hand with carbon steel and have a good tip on its use, please comment.